Losing sleep that a Federal Reserve destined to raise interest rates four times this year will destroy your portfolio? Chill out, stocks should hang tough.

That is if one places stock in historical data.

Since 1971, the S&P 500 has gained about 20% on average in rising rate periods, according to data from S&P Global. The index has gained 8 of 9 times and has risen nearly 40% twice during that span, with less than a 4% loss for its worst rising rate period.

Source: S&P Global

"Since the rising rates [this time around] are happening in a profitable economy with strong growth forecasts and increasing dividend payouts (with an extra boost from the income tax reduction,) the variables impacting the equity duration are more positive for stocks," says Jodie Gunzberg, head of U.S. equities at S&P Dow Jones Indices.

Gunzberg highlights financials as some of the best-performing stocks in rising rate environments.

"This is since as rates rise, margins expand and with accelerating growth plus loose monetary policy, borrowers may be more active and banks can earn more from the spread," Gunzberg points out.